Friday, August 24, 2012

Yesterday I decided to raid my mother's closet. The truth is I've already bought my new fall pieces, so shopping is really unnecessary. But, if I can get said pieces for free, well then there's no harm done. Hence, my favorite vintage boutique, my mom's closet. See, the thing about people is we have tons of clothes we never wear, yet we keep them in our possession for some reason or another. This is my mom. She has an array of beautiful silk shirts she no longer fits into and a plethora of shoes she doesn't have an occasion to wear. That's where I come in. You see, I have the good fortune of being the same size foot as my mother. So, those black suede heels? You can bet I'll be wearing them. One of my best clothing finds of yesterday was an old denim Guess shirt that looks flawless tucked into some shorts or skinny jeans (when it gets cold) and paired with a statement necklace. Another great piece, a brown velvet tee that fits perfectly and looks brand new and expensive. Overall, my day of $ free shopping was a success.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

After browsing through one of my favorite blogs The Man Repeller I realized just how close FNO was. Of course, I had already started preparing, but I was doing my best to be blissfully ignorant about the dreaded end of summer. But the truth is, the days of lounging around in the sun are coming to an end. Fashion's Night Out has long been a dream of mine. That's right, a dream. I don't live in New York (Ooh now you know I don't live in NY, there's only 49 other states and I don't know how many other countries to choose from. Happy guessing) and I certainly don't plan to fly there for a one night sale. Nope plain old me is going to use the internet that I've been so neglecting these past few months (see previous post). Now I have always been hesitant about internet shopping, especially in bulk because I just don't know how it will look on my body (why I haven't participated in FNO before, I've merely been a spectator of the sales) so this time it may take some courage. But I'm determined to at least shop a little this year. Want to join me in my internet adventures or find shops that are participating in NYC or beyond? Simply go to this site, and planning a spectacular shopping spree could never have been easier. To get you psyched for the big day (September 6th) here are some clothes from participating online stores.

This amazing dress from BCBG is just an example of the beautiful gowns and regular street clothes that will be yours for the taking if you win the $1000 BCBGMAXAZRIA wardrobe. How to enter? tag an outfit to #BCBGFNO on Instagram for your chance to win! (bcbg.com, $298.00)

Like these wedge booties from Blowfish Shoes? Well they are currently selling for only $79. Find shoes this price and even less in the sale section of this amazing online haven.

Oh you glorious trench from Habit of Urban, you perfect piece for fall. How I long to place you in my closet an feel your warmth on the coldest of days. And look, if I buy you on September 6th between 6-11pm, you come along with a reversible blouse! The joys of FNO. (shop-habitofurban.com, $139.26)

This tube of mascara gives me the best, most voluminous lashes everyday. So when I get to stock up on my favorite beauty helpers from Maybelline New York, I plan to give it all I got. (Volume Express, The Falsies, Black Drama Mascara, no price listed)

Love this For Love and Lemons Lulu dress found at Messes of Dresses for only $95.00? Then you should know there are tons more just like it.

In addition to these great finds, there are the likes of Sperry Top-Sider, my fave shoe brand for their preppy designs, and Rent the Runway, the equivalent of Netflix with clothes, to shop online. The stores above are, in my opinion, your best bets for FNO. They are the most affordable, yet still unbelievably chic online places in the line up, and trust me, I looked through them all (well mostly, I got tired towards the end of the alphabet and skipped to my go-to stores but come on, there are hundreds). Decide for yourself from the full list of participating stores here.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Sad fact, I haven't been on a computer all summer. Well, perhaps not ALL summer, so I'll be more exact. I haven't been on a computer since the middle of June. How has this occurred? Honestly, I have no idea. It's not like I haven't had technology, I'm on Instagram everyday, so I'm not a complete cave woman. But yes, I have been neglecting this blog, the news, and pretty much everything else my computer so generously brings me. But now I've returned, and may I just say, I've missed this. So, in celebration of my return to the modern age and in (less of) a celebration of the end of summer (more like a funeral, but....) here are my favorite new picks for fall, courtesy of my two new go-to stores, H&M and Forever 21, along with the ever fashionable Polyvore.

I just love the collar. Not only that, but the top creates the effect of layering without any. Simple, chic, must have.

I have no I idea why, but I'm becoming obsessed with patterns involving birds, hearts or polka dots. I just feel like fashion has taken a turn and is letting us explore the forgotten days of our youth. Call me crazy, but pair this top with a blazer and it's office appropriate, but you still seem young and fresh. Oh yes!

It reminds me of spring. And why not have spring in the middle of fall, it's my freaking life. Besides, in addition to patterns of youth, my new fashion craving is coral. Literally, I walk into a store, grab a few items that catch my eye, head to the dressing room and find that they are all the same color of coral. Maybe it's the feeling of pure sunlight the shade induces, but I'm hooked.

I told you didn't I? Polka dots.

Yes, this shirt is simple. But between the color and the curved collar, it's just special enough to be your go-to office piece. The options are unlimited.

Hounds tooth and coral. Maybe it seems like summer, but put on some thick leggings and a jacket, and you have weekend outfit covered.

Same as the previous dress. A perfect piece that you can wear by itself while you soak up the last days of summer, and then add a few layered pieces for fall with color. No one said just because it's cold out you have to go goth.

Oh look another summer dress this wacko is telling me to wear for fall. But hey, it is pretty cute.

Okay, so I went overboard. But I made my layering point right? Besides, they were all so cute I couldn't choose. On to another tip now (finally).

Warm but bright. A sweater with pizazz is exactly the thing to keep your post-summer depression at bay. Just beware, you don't want to go all tacky Christmas sweater, or the last thing you'll be seen as is fashionable.

Muted color palette, and neutral enough to go with anything, but sparkly enough to have you dreaming of the magic filled holidays to come.

A small purse that caught my eye. I just love the geometric shape. It's not specifically fall, but hey, it's cute.

Printed pants are huge right now (as are pastels) so this play on snakeskin has me in love. (Plus, there's a dress in the same print below)

Oh how I love me some flats. And they have hounds tooth on them you say? Why this must be heaven.

Jeweled Peter Pan collar and the perfect fall shade, we have ourselves a winner.

The cutest collar that ever could be, it's completely on trend. Seen on celebs such as Emma Roberts and Diane Kruger, this look is officially a do. (Plus it's sparkly)

See? I told you there was more of that amazing snakeskin-esque print. Do you love it or do you love it?

And now we come to the end of our fall must haves list, finishing up with the perfect fitted jacket. I must say, it was very hard to pick only a few pieces, there are so many out there, but hopefully I've shown you some stylish (and affordable) pieces to inspire your purchases for the upcoming cold. Until next time.